Tag Archives: public health

A cloudy sky with a flagpole and a Ukraine flag flying on the flagpole.

Somerset marks one year since the Russian invasion of Ukraine

Ukrainian families and their hosts in Somerset will join people across the UK to observe the anniversary of the conflict in Ukraine at 11am on Friday, 24 February.

a young female child wearing a red back pack, holding hands with a female adult

Somerset: Let’s Connect for Children’s Mental Health Week 

During this year’s Children’s Mental Health Week (6-12 February), Somerset County Council is sharing some simple tips to encourage parents and carers to consider how they can help children to build meaningful connections as part of this year’s ‘Let’s Connect’ theme. 

Cllr Adam Dance stands outside County Hall in Taunton wearing a purple hoodie with 'I Test' in large, blue letters

Somerset Public Health encourages residents to get tested for #HIVTestWeek

Next week marks the start of National HIV testing week (6-12 February), and Somerset County Council are encouraging anyone who may have put themselves at risk of getting the virus to get tested.

Tower vaccination centre in Taunton. A red brick, flat roof building with a row of white wooden windows and a large, blue 'NHS Tower Vaccination Centre' sign.

Somerset residents encouraged to get Covid booster before programme ends

Tower vaccination centre in Taunton. A red brick, flat roof building with a row of white wooden windows and a large, blue ‘NHS Tower Vaccination Centre’ sign.

Two people sat on a bench outside with a mug in their hands and a black teapot in the middle.

Somerset: get talking to beat the January blues

January can be a difficult month for many people, with cold weather and shorter days bringing feelings of anxiety, sadness and depression, especially after the festive period has come to an end. It is no wonder that the term ‘January blues’ exists.

At this time of year, it’s more important than ever to talk more with family and friends and share how you’re feeling.

A hand holding a phone with the Try Dry homepage loaded up on the screen

What is Dry January, and what are the benefits?

January is often a time when people are looking to introduce healthy habits and make positive lifestyle changes.

After the Christmas period of enjoying a drink or two, ‘Dry January’, now in its tenth year, sees thousands across the country give up alcohol for a month after the festive season.

A family enjoying Christmas dinner at the table with candles lit and a Christmas tree in the background.

Stay well and protect your loved ones this Christmas 

Somerset County Council’s Director of Public Health is urging people to take action to prevent the spread of infections within our families and communities, especially as we meet up for Christmas.

Group of friends in a coffee shop looking happy and drinking coffee and water.

People in Somerset are challenged to ditch the booze and ‘Try Dry’ this January

Just thirty-one days without alcohol can positively impact on health, improving sleep, boosting energy, reducing anxiety, and saving money, to name just a few of the benefits.

That’s why this year, Somerset County Council is encouraging residents and employees to sign up to Dry January and discover the many benefits of going alcohol-free, including the financial, physical, and medical benefits this can bring.

Yellow Sign with 'Cold Weather Ahead' written on it with cold, snowy backdrop

Stay safe and warm during cold weather this winter

With low temperatures and potentially severe overnight frosts forecast across the South West from Wednesday, Somerset County Council’s public health team are encouraging people to stay warm and look out for those most at risk from the effects of cold weather.

Female with short brown hair and glasses on is talking to a male with dark hair.

Somerset ‘warm welcome’ spaces opened across County

Over 70 ‘Warm Welcome’ spaces are now open to anyone who wants somewhere warm and welcoming to go, with many more planning to open their doors in the coming weeks.